30/06/2021
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Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu were the leader of the Santhal rebellion (1855–1856), the rebellion in present-day Jharkhand and Bengal (Purulia and Bankura) in eastern India against both the British colonial authority and the corrupt zamindari system.
Santals lived in and depended on forests. In 1832, the British demarcated the Damin-i-koh region in present day Jharkhand and invited Santhals to settle in the region. Due to promises of land and economic amenities a large numbers of Santhals came to settle from Cuttack, Dhalbhum, Manbhum, Hazaribagh, Midnapore etc. Soon, mahajans and zamindars as tax-collecting intermediaries deployed by British dominated the economy. Many Santals became victims of corrupt money lending practices. They were lent money at exorbitant rates when they never repay then their lands were forcibly taken, they were forced into bonded labour. This sparked the Santal rebellion.
On 30 June 1855, two Santal rebel leaders, Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu (related as brother) along with Chand and Bairab, mobilized about 10,000 Santals and declared a rebellion against British colonists. The Santals initially gained some success but soon the British found out a new way to tackle these rebels. Instead, they forced them to modern fi****ms and war elephants, stationed themselves at the foot of the hill. When the battle began, the British officer ordered his troops to fire without loading bullets. The Santals, who did not suspect this trap set by the British war strategy, charged with full potential. This step proved to be disastrous for them. As soon as they neared the foot of the hill, the British army attacked with full power and this time they were using bullets. Although the revolution was suppressed, it marked a great change in the colonial rule and policy. The day is still celebrated among the Santal community. It is called “Hool Divas” these days.
Sido Kanhu Murmu University is named upon them. Indian post also issued a ₹ 4 stamp in 2002 honouring them.
Hool Divas
The beginning
The day the tribals of Jharkhand took up arms against the British i.e. revolted, the day is celebrated as 'Hul Kranti Divas'. About 10 thousand tribals gave their lives in this war
First fight for independence
Although the first battle of independence is considered in 1857, the tribals of Jharkhand raised the flag of rebellion in 1855 itself. The rebellion began on 30 June 1855 from the village of Bhagnadih in the existing Sahebganj district under the leadership of Sidhu and Kanhu. On this occasion, Sidhu gave the slogan, 'Do or die, British leave our soil'
Start of movement
On June 30, 1855, about 50 thousand tribals from 400 villages reached Bhaganadih village and the movement began. In this meeting, it was announced that they would no longer give goods. After this, the British, Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairav - ordered the arrest of these four brothers. The Inspector, who was sent there to arrest the four brothers, was killed by the Santhalis by cutting his neck. During this time, there was a fear among the government officials about this movement.
The British sent troops to the area and fiercely arrested the tribals and opened fire on the rebels. Martial law was imposed to control the agitators. The awards were also announced by the British Government for the arrest of the agitators. Chand and Bhairav were martyred in the battle of British and agitators in Bahraich.
In his book 'Annals of Ruler Bengal', the famous English historian Hunter wrote, "The Santhals were not aware of surrender, due to which the Dugdugi kept ringing and the people kept fighting." As long as a single agitator was alive, he kept fighting. Around 10 thousand tribals gave their lives in this war. Sidhu and Kanhu were also arrested by luring money to Sidhu and Kanhu's close associates and then on July 26, the two brothers were hanged openly on a tree in Bhaganadih village. In this way, Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairav, these four brothers became their indelible place in Indian history forever.